D. 202 presents sixth 2015-16 “Next Steps” transition training

District 202's sixth "Next Steps Transition Training" program for this school year will address "Planning Ahead: Future Finance and Supports."

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at the District 202 Administrative Center, 15732 Howard Street, Plainfield.

Sam Knight, a community organizer with the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living will speak at the meeting.

"Next Steps" offer special programming and information for community members interested in helping parents and caregivers plan, transition and advocate for their children with disabilities. This is the second year that District 202 has provided "Next Steps" training.

Additional trainings will be held monthly throughout this school year. All trainings will start at 6:30 p.m. Community members can attend as many of the trainings as they want.

The "Next Steps" team comprises District 202 Vocational Education staff who assist parents and caregivers with planning, transitioning and advocating for their children with disabilities.

"Next Steps" team members include Anne Twist from Plainfield North High School; Plainfield South High School's Kathy Thomason; Plainfield Academy's Colleen Goldenberg and Project SEARCH teacher Colleen Kelly.

The Next Steps team aims to improve delivery of services to families of students with disabilities; increase family awareness of disability options and resources; and link families in need to agencies that can support them with issues related to transition, said Dee Graves, District 202's assistant director of private placement and transition.